It goes without saying that airbags are installed in all new vehicles with the idea of saving lives. However, in the event of a defect in malfunctioning airbags, these safety devices can cause more harm than good.
The primary purpose of an airbag is to provide cushion to the driver and/or passengers in the event of a collision. The incorrect deployment of an airbag can cause injuries including but not limited to:
- Contusions and abrasions, especially on the upper body and face
- Broken bones
- Burns to the upper body and face
- Concussions and traumatic brain injury
- Internal bleeding
- Eye injuries
- Damage to vital organs
- Hearing damage
- Skin irritation
The potential for these injuries does not outweigh the use of airbags, which is why all auto manufacturers are required to include these in all new vehicles. Even so, a defective airbag could cause more harm than good.
Along with the potential for the above injuries, there's something else to remember: A defective airbag may fail to deploy in an accident, thus increasing the likelihood of serious injury or even death.
If you're part of a motor vehicle accident, especially one in which an airbag deploys, you need to call 911 to ensure that an ambulance arrives as quickly as possible. You could have suffered a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Once you receive treatment, you can learn more about the crash and the role your airbag played (or didn't play) in your injuries and overall level of safety. This may prompt you to focus on your legal rights.
Source: FindLaw, "Can You Sue Over Airbag Injuries?," accessed May 14, 2018